The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially declared that the year 2013 be recognized as “The International Year of the Quinoa.” Proposed by the government of Bolivia and receiving strong support from many Central and South American countries, quinoa has now been singled out by the FAO as a food with “high nutritive value,” impressive biodiversity, and an important role to play in the achievement of food security worldwide. – Source WHF

Some of the health benefits of Quinoa and why it is a power food:-

Even though it is eaten as a grain, it is not a grain and unlike other grains, it is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa contains fiber.Which as you know helps prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. Fiber lowers cholesterol and glucose levels. It is also rich in magnesium which is important for, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth. Source Mindbodygreen

For this week’s power food blog group, I chose to feature this everyday one pot quinoa dish that I make for my working lunch. I use whichever vegetables i have on hand and get a pot of quinoa pulav going. Quick Easy Delicious!

38 Power Foods blog group focuses on one ingredient each week taking inspiration from the book ; Power Foods: 150 Delicious Recipes with the 38 Healthiest Ingredients from the editors of the whole living magazine. Each week we all come up with recipes, stories, articles to encourage eating nourishing food.

I worked for a caterer over 20 years ago who used to tout the nutritional benefits of quinoa and used it to make tabouleh. I really admire her now for being ahead of her time. I love your use of it here. What a wonderful way to clean out the vegetable bin. I will be trying this soon.